Reading Room

What makes it an effective self defense system?

Everyone needs to know how to defend themselves. If you really want to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones, survive a street attack, or prevail on the battlefield, then you need a strategy and practical techniques that can be applied to any situation. In a real life confrontation, there are no referees, you can’t “tap out” to save yourself from harm, there are no rules in place to protect you, and it most likely won’t be a one-on-one fight. Wing Chun was designed to teach you to handle the reality of a life or death confrontation using techniques that have been proven to work in turbulent times that is why we advocate and teach it. Wing Chun doesn’t know any borders or rules, therefore it doesn’t exclude techniques because they are too dangerous in a competition. It is based on simplicity and does not take years to effectively master the techniques. No points, no rules, no tapping out, just reality-based, combat proven, street tested self defense techniques make up this system. Many modern martial arts have been modified for sport or competition in some way, thus taking away the most damaging and effective techniques in order to prolong the fight and generate more revenue. In order to be truly effective, a self- defense system needs to meet the following 10 rules:

It must be appropriate for today’s world. (Modern weapons such as firearms and knives can’t be excluded)

It must work on an assailant that is much larger, stronger and faster than you. (no weight classes)

It must work against both armed and unarmed assailants. (No rules of engagement)

It must work against single and multiple assailants. (Most fights include bystanders or multiple attackers)

It must work against determined and capable assailants, not just cooperative training partners.

Training scenarios and “sparring” must be realistic in nature. (You will rarely encounter a fight against someone using the same style as you on the street, and the days of a one-on-one “fair fight” are over.)

It must work when you are surprised.(Most attacks are ambush style in nature)

It has to be concept driven to handle all situations. (Versatility is key. Technique for technique will get you seriously hurt.)

It must work in every possible environment. (The same method must work in snow, sand, parking lot, woods, jungle, your living room, the gym, the office, on carpet etc.)

What is the Focus of Wing Chun?

Based on my experience and training, what makes Wing Chun “Wing Chun” is the fact that Wing Chun is an art with one goal, SURVIVAL. As seen in the art’s common imagery, confrontation between crane and snake, both the metaphorical and primordial interpretations apply. Wing Chun fighting concepts are found in both animals’ strengths, weaknesses, and their conflict. But first and foremost they are animals. They do not fight for honor, ego, or bragging rights. It is a life or death struggle; thus defining our art’s essence.

With all the differences in how Wing Chun is practiced and taught, what makes the Wing Chun that we teach different from other lineages?

We at the Wing Chun Boxing Academy understand Wing Chun as a weapons based art. We train everything with a knife or a weapon, and usually the student instantly understands why they should execute certain movements instead of others.

We place great emphasis on Wing Chun as a knife-fighting art.

What are some of the ideas or concepts that we train and teach our students?

The creators of the art used the Crane and Snake, two knives crossed, the plum tree blossoms hiding vicious thorns from sight to impart the true spirit of our art as a weapons based art to future generations. We drill with training knives in the hands of both the Wing Chun practitioner and the “bad guys” so students immediately understand what they are trying to accomplish and why they are training the drill a certain way. This may come off as odd but I don’t think the knives are just hung on the wall to look pretty and add to the decor. They are there to motivate us to be realistic in our methods and training and to constantly remind us that if the technique doesn’t work in a knife fight, you may want to rethink it. I have read articles about many arts that say we should always assume your attacker has a weapon. I agree. So we train accordingly. Firearms are also explored in that we believe that Wing Chun Practitioners of old would be training in firearms, both offensively and defensively, if they lived in our modern time frame.

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Things to Remember about Wing Chun and Your Training…

1. Wing Chun incorporates lots of “tricks”and movements which many might consider “dirty”, “low-blows”, “unfair”, or “illegal”. You should use these movements to your advantage at all times.

2. You must attack and destroy your opponent until they are not physically capable of defending themselves any longer. To do otherwise is to risk your life.

3. Finish off your opponent or they can and will recover, attack, and defeat you. You must never think otherwise.

4. You must never show your opponent mercy nor should you train as if they will show it to you.

5. Your eyes must appear to your opponent as if filled with carnage and utter destruction. Your eyes must remain predatory in nature and appearance.

6. Your hands should be deceitful and deceptive as you lead your opponent to his own demise.

7. Strategy, deception and cunning tactics should be used to your best advantage.

8. Never give up an inch of ground to your opponent unless it gains you a foot.

9. Do not find yourself in unfavorable circumstances or situations. Know your surrounding and predicament at all times.

10. Always remain humble and never boast. Remember greatness is born of humble beginnings and arrogance ends in an humbled state.

11. Your attacks must be as violent as a butcher preparing his meats for the market. Kindness will not give you success in battle but it will quickly lead you to your own demise.

13. If you encounter an opponent who is physically stronger than you, you must use strategy, misdirection and an brutal mindset to defeat him.

14. When you encounter an opponent who is much weaker than you, be mindful of strategies that incorporate misdirection. If you do so, you will obliterate him with ease.

15. Use of power, strength or cunning does not depend on your opponent’s size. Large or small, use the same strength, power and deception on both: all of your abilities and attributes must be used to annihilate your opponent. Do not see your art as having a volume control. See it as only having an off and on switch when using your skills.

16. The art of Wing Chun is based on you being the target. You do not change techniques based on the opponent’s size or the opponent in general. They must reach you, attack you. When they do, unleash Hell on them.

17. Wing Chun does not have kicks. It has leg breaks.

18. Wing Chun is the art of ambush or guerrilla tactics applied to personal combat.

Training for Modern Times…

If you are not training with modern weapons, you are not training for reality. Not training with modern weapons is like living in a cave instead of a modern home. All wars are fought with firearms these days to try to defeat them with sharpened sticks on the battlefield is suicide. Be Prepared for the unimaginable, not just the worst you can imagine.

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Training Not Nonsense

“The ultimate aim of training Gung fu is to ‘learn’ to be open minded. Try to assume the student role rather than the teacher. Even if you consider yourself better than the one ‘in charge’ of class, let him enjoy his ego trip as teacher. You’ll benefit more from just training than from challenging for position.”- Duncan Leung circa 1978

When you open your mind, you realize that Wing Chun doesn’t need Chinese garb or any other superfluous trapping (such as reading Chinese books on philosophy, using Chinese characters, drinking tea, using chopsticks or generally adopting a culture not your own) that are currently being used to market to those seeking Mr. Miyagi or some rendition of Kung Fu Theatre’s “hidden master”.

Don’t be gullible like I have been or guilty of all of these things as I have. When the reality of it sinks in, you realize that it was marketing and imitation not tradition and the skill only requires training or practice, nothing more.

Think about it, it’s like expecting someone wanting to train in Western Boxing to have to wear clothing from the 1700’s, speak in Elizabethan English and read western philosophy books to be any good at it. Ridiculous! I know. If you actually look at it, you will recognize that it is the same thing only using Chinese Boxing and antiquated Chinese cultural norms, Asian philosophy books, dragons,tigers, drinking tea and generally acting like the Asian Gung Fu movies the westerners have come to believe is “authentic”. This is what I fell victim to though, as do others seeking instruction and training in Gung Fu.

Use common sense and never become a slave to anyone or anything. Keep it simple and honest. Train/ practice hard and avoid distractions that don’t really benefit your training.

I must admit that it took me opening my mind and listening to my current mentors and dear friends both in Wing Chun and in life to come to this realization. It was all right there in front of me.

I know that some will revolt against this information because they do not want their wallets effected, dreams or fantasies to be called into question or to actually have to admit they too have fallen victim to this illusion. But from this point further you won’t find these trappings at my school anymore. All you will find here is hard work, training, (probably) friendships and fun. Anything beyond that is simply not needed. (copyright 2016)

(Note the practical training attire of the author and his students in a book from 1972 on Wing Chun and what he was against in the foreword.)Why have modern Wing Chun schools become more like Sil Lum?

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What and Who, NOT Where!

An Article from: Hammerhead Hapkido that touches on some old school truths.

“Garage martial arts – are they any good?
I have a friend coming from out of town this morning to work on knife defense and tactics. We will practice in my garage.

Some people look down on garage training. They think a “real” martial arts school should have a well-equipped dojo with heavy bags hanging from the ceiling, weapons on the walls, and thick mats on the floor.

That’s all good. But no one should ever look down on garage training, and no student should be embarrassed to study in someone’s garage or home. Some instructors are traditional, and prefer to teach only family or individuals they know and trust. They do not promote their arts. A student should consider it an honor to be allowed to train in an instructor’s home.

Many instructors teach out of their garages, or at the park, because their primary pursuit is the art itself. These types of teachers are obsessed with learning and honing their abilities. They don’t want to invest their time in running a studio, doing paperwork, marketing and sales. They would rather focus on training and even traveling great distances to learn from other masters. Instructors like this can be the most gifted martial artists around, even if no one knows their name outside of a small circle. Bobbe Edmonds comes to mind, or the legendary Professor Wally Jay (who taught in his basement, and was scorned by other masters for years because of his innovations to Japanese Jujitsu).

I once tried a Wing Chun class in a garage with a young man who had advertised online. He didn’t want to be paid. He just wanted a loyal student. I didn’t continue because I found that Wing Chun did not suit me personally; but it was obvious that the young man was extremely skilled. He seemed to live, breathe and eat nothing but Wing Chun and heavy metal music.

One of the pioneers of Hapkido, master Ji-Han-Jae, studied with various teachers in his youth. These included of course Hapkido founder Choi Young Sul, a monk he called Taoist Lee Dosa, and a woman he called Grandma. Grandma taught him for three years from a hospice for the terminally ill. Somehow I doubt they had heavy bags hanging from the ceiling.

The training environment is not the measure of the martial artist. Nor does his/her value as a teacher and fighter correspond to the cost of his uniform or the square footage of the training space. The measure of an instructor lies in his/her sincerity, character and skill, and the sincerity, character and skill of his students.

I am sure that there are amazing martial artists teaching in garages, living rooms, basements and backyards all over the world. These men and women are hidden masters. The important thing is that they continue teaching, so that their skills may survive and perhaps one day be shared with the world.

Wael Abdelgawad, Founder
Hammerhead Hapkido”

I would like to add that many of the greats trained and offered training in this manner. The list would include Ip Man, Bruce Lee, James Lee, Miguel Quijano, Gary Lam, and multiple students of these individuals. I have students that moved across country to train in this environment with their teachers. In essence you can’t find anything more “Traditional ” than training in this manner.

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When choosing a school remember…

1. Soldiers are trained to obey orders. Generals need the certainty of soldiers obedience so that they can plan. They need to be certain that if they say hold the parameter or the line that the soldier will do as they are ordered. In self defense, should obedience be the goal? NO! I teach, train my students to never just obey. I don’t want them ever obeying a knife welding rapist, terrorist or anyone that will do them harm. I don’t want my students to bow out or learn submission. I want to empower them to respond correctly, violently, like a predator if need be. I want them to have a switch in their mind that goes from friend to fierce when attacked or threatened. If you want to learn to obey, join a school that is built on ranks and the instructor demands compliance. I want my school and students to question and condition themselves to survive not to submit or comply.

2. Law Enforcement is taught to avoid hand to hand combat situations because fights are dangerous. They can contract HIV, hepatitis, or incur lawsuits etc. Yes, officers do have to use force when attacked by surprise. They need to go from friendly to fierce as well. I want all my students to understand that avoiding a problem is self defense too. You win every fight that you walk away from (avoid). Those that seek to fight have something to prove. They feel inadequate. They need acknowledgment to feel important. I don’t want my students to worry about that kind of stuff. I want them to train hard with each other and hone the responses to a razors edge to survive an altercation if they are ever in one. Don’t buy into the “You need to learn from a police officer who has seen blood run on the dark asphalt.” If this is often the case the officer saying this probably is in the wrong profession because he or she is promoting violence not stopping it. The badge and uniform go along way in having others comply and or try to simply flee from them.

3. It is human nature to want to know secrets, to love magic, to be mesmerized by illusions. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous martial arts instructors, masters, “sifus”, or “senseis” who are willing to prey on that aspect (one of the reasons I have chosen not to be called sifu). They offer you secret techniques, esoteric understandings, etc. just to attain power or money for themselves. Buying into the secretive teachings or methods can result in drama and abuse, which is the opposite of self defense. Having been a victim of this myself, I can attest to their existence and deceptions. Beware of the “tough guy” mentalities or “war stories”. Remember Martial Arts Instruction is a Caveat Emptor market (Buyer Beware Market). Most people are educated and view things in a practical manner but somehow get duped when they look at Martial Arts because they think of movies they have seen and the physics defying acrobatics of the stars in the films. Asian students train in everyday clothing like a westerner going to the gym. They don’t bow every time someone speaks to them. They train without the extra frills that we see in most schools in America.

4. Students need to know that there are no secrets, no easy paths, no methods of immortality or invincibility. The truth is simple. The method is in the training, the sweat, the work you do to create the reflexive like response needed to end a violent altercation. You are taught it, you train for it day in and day out and finally you then randomly test for its development in a controlled manner in class without prearranged drills or toe to toe exchanges. Work to develop the response, to flip the switch, that allows you to survive. When you are Fighting Under Duress, it is all about doing anything it takes to survive. It is fighting for your life. Here, we do not teach self defense. We teach STUDENTS to defend themselves. Students are the focus here. The students and their lives are what we valuable.

5. The ultimate skill is to create a friend instead of an enemy. The next best defense is a firearm used properly. No technique, teaching, spiritual awakening, etc. is going to stop a bullet. The simple truth is the need for Self Defense training is when you are in a fight for your life and you can’t get to your firearm or you have run out of ammunition. If anyone tries to tell you differently they are misleading you. Self Defense is about escape and evasion not ego and “let’s go”. Don’t buy into the online challenges. They are a dime a dozen in fact. Those that seek to prove themselves are issuing these. Read about this mentality under point 2. If you are training for Self Defense, you are not competing, dueling, seeking a gym membership and muscles, you are seeking a practical skill that can be learned and used when you find yourself under attack. As one of my female students commented, “I have too much to live for to go around risking my health for ego satisfaction.”

6. Fitness training is great for overall health. We advocate good health and healthy living. The facts are that in a self defense situation it is primarily anaerobic in nature and lasts for seconds that feel like years. If you want to train for self defense, you need to focus on exercises that develop power, rapid reflexes and fluidity in movements not so much cardio or muscle building (It doesn’t take a lot of muscles to put your thumb or finger in someones eye.). Cardio is a must for competition style tournaments or combat sports where such a fight ending move is illegal. The reality of a surprise attack is that it is done quickly and meant to end quickly. Prolonged encounters are not the norm. Health and fitness are important and we don’t deny that fact but any activity or exercise that involves moving your body will create some level of fitness. We at the White Rose train specific whole body exercises that promote over all health but focus on generating power, speed and fluid like movements found with in a self defense situation. We are concerned with tendon and joint strength, flexibility and “linkage” of the whole body to counter an attack on our person or our loved ones.

In these points you will find that real self defense is void of egos, trophies, ceremonies and movie like personalities etc.

A GOOD REASON TO TRAIN WING CHUN IN MEMPHIS, TN

Mike, one of our new students, has had problems in the past with being assaulted by young thugs in his neighborhood. When he came into class one day, he told us he had been attacked again. This time it was different though. After a couple of classes with us, in Wing Chun at the Memphis Branch of The Wing Chun Boxing Academy, he was able to defend himself against the larger thug. Mike said that he couldn’t believe how well this worked after only a couple classes. He said he saw the attack coming and just did what he was taught in class and the police couldn’t believe how he, a smaller man, aged 61, could have defeated an attacker much larger than himself, 6 foot 2 inches and much younger. Mike had to go to court because the thug tried to press charges because he was so devastated and his ego so deflated by Mike’s counterattack. The judge through it out because he looked at Mike and the attacker and asked “Let me get this straight, you attacked this older gentleman and he defended himself and now you want to press charges? GET OUT of my courtroom! Next time, you will think twice before you try to take advantage of old man.” – Joe Caviness

Contact the Memphis training school. (contact information on side bar under locations.)

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What is hiding behind the Plum Blossom of Wing Chun?

Ever wonder why the plum blossom was a symbol of Wing Chun?Well it is simple when you realize that during the winter they blossom which means overcoming death or defeat. Bursting forth when no other would dare. They also spread like wildfire by suckering up and creating hedgerows or barriers for the garden. I however see it differently in that I have a plum tree and they are viciously armed with 1 to 2 inch thorns that will go through your shoes into your feet when you prune them and step on the limbs. Handling these trees requires one to be gentle with it or face the consequences of it thorns.

The art of Wing Chun is a knife fighting art, a cutting art, a blade art. This is why the knives are one of the symbols as well.

People tend to only focus on the beauty of the blossom but never really look at the tree as a whole. Cut them down and they will return with sprouts in multitudes. Invading your yard garden or field. Those that have been around these trees know that mishandling one of them comes with the price of your blood.
The creators of the art hid their intentions in subtle ways because they were revolutionaries, crane and snake fighting for survival, two knives crossed, the plum tree creating new seeds ( blossoms bring fruit with seeds. They also hide the thorns from sight.) or new trees with barbs…None the less it shows the art is at its essence, a knife fighter’s art, contrary to popular belief.
Stop seeing Wing Chun as just an empty hand fighting system and start seeing it as the knife fighting art it truly is.

Never Argue With Strength…

Are you stressed out? Feel like your fighting an uphill battle? Tired of arguing or maybe the political garbage that goes on all around you? Use the the first axiom or rule of Wing Chun. In Wing Chun we never argue with strength. We yield to the strength. We go around it. We flow like water. Don’t see things as obstacles but as opportunities. Water is soft but it destroys rocks. Why? Because it flows around and eventually through whatever gets in its way. Forget your ego and flow around the situation. It is easier that way. Life becomes a series of events that flow naturally together and you become a happier person because of it. Positive people live longer. Never arguing with force or strength will make you more positive. Yielding will prolong your life. I hope this helps you in your training and everyday lives. Keep Receiving what comes…- Dustan Carroll __________________________________________________________________

Wing Chun concepts and strategies

When the art of Wing Chun was being developed, a master of Shaolin Gung Fu and a Buddhist nun named Ng Moy watched a crane and snake fight. She observed that the snake was able to defend itself easily by using strategy even though it lacked the limbs and strengths of its opponent. The snake would lure the crane into striking by moving very little, awaiting the perfect opportunity to counter strike. The crane, even though it had strengths such as wings and legs it also was a bigger target and lacked the venom of the deadly snake. One wrong move from the crane and it could be easily killed in a single strike. The Crane would have to use the opposite strategy of the snake and make many confusing movements, jumping from side to side, all to confuse the snake. It was also trying to lure the snake to initiate the attack so it could lash out with its talons and beak also at the perfect time. They both tried to get the other to attack first.

The three phases of a fight that could be seen were, Wait, Go, Clash. There were many other concepts and strategies noticed as well to include, but not limited to the following, not fighting force with force, protecting the center, simultaneously attacking and defending, receiving what came, following what went, striking whatever let go, fighting for survival, fighting without ego, knowing when to strike, etc. these, along with other concepts, would be observed in this fateful fight in nature that was observed by a Kung Fu master that could appreciate what she was experiencing.

Yim Wing Chun? Ng Moy? Why does it matter?

Stories give us a glimpse into the mindset of the people writing them. If they write it down and do not destroy it, there must have been a reason. The reasons can never be truly clear but the facts still remain that the individual did indeed write it and must have had a purpose if they kept it.

This brings me to the story that everyone is trying to prove or disprove, The story of Yim Wing Chun and her teacher Ng Moy. There have been many recent public rebuttals to the story and its origins. Many claim that it was a fictionalized story. I personally look at the story as a window into the author’s mindset.

Sometime in the Mid 1960’s Master Yip Man wrote an account of the history and origins of his art, Wing Chun. We know that it wasn’t published but it was kept by him and later his sons. What was the purpose of this story if it was untrue?

Chinese culture is often misunderstood by many westerners. They see the Yin Yang symbol and see harmony. While this does show a balance of day and night etc.( you know all the things by now), it does not give the truth about how the Chinese culture tries to cultivate yang energy. Yang energy is life giving and powerful. Yin energy is to be avoided. Yin energy drains you of your strength and vitality. It is a “dark” energy that literally acts like death itself.

Yin energy is feminine and seen as deceptive, manipulative, a chaotic force to be avoided. While many westerners see yin as just a part of the whole structure many easterners see yin as the opposition and counter to yang. it is a deathly energy that one wishes to avoid through exercise, proper diet and right living. If an area or subject has too much yin or mentions death so to say it is to be avoided, there are rumors that Bruce Lee’s death occurred because his house had bad feng shui or too much yin and his last movie was yin in nature (The Game of Death).

So if yin energy is the feminine energy and Master Yip Man puts forth a history based on not one but two females creating the art, was he saying this art is a yin art? I believe he may have been explaining the true purpose of the art. To be subversive, manipulative, deceptive. Even the Art of War speaks to this manner of dealing with conflict. Maybe the story was not to provide a correct history but a correct guide in why one is training.

Let’s take a few things that could have been implied in this story

1. Two women create it (double Yin)

A possible lesson here: If a small girl can’t do it, probably not right.

2. the Nun had watched a Crane and Snake fight ( very similar to Tai Chi’s origin story)

a. Crane by itself is lonesome but symbolizes longevity

b. Snake (A yin animal of sorts based on its need to be deceptive)symbolizes wisdom and health

A possible lesson here: Nature is a battleground. Survival is the goal not winning points or bouts.

3. The young girl defeats a very Yang character, a male bully who will take her as a wife against her will.

4. The story then follows genealogy that shows adding what works to the arsenal and revising it each generation to be the ultimate art of destruction (Yin Force)

A possible lesson here: Pragmatism wins the day.

Yes, I intentionally only named 4 things there to show a point about the art. Chinese culture avoids the number 4 because it is very yin and sounds like the word death only with a different tone. After all is said and done, we all get put into a 4 cornered box and placed in dark rich dirt.

I think Yip Man was trying to tell us to use our wits and be extremely unorthodox in our methods. He was saying to overcome hard you must be soft and destructive. This is all conjecture but it is something to think about. Remember stories are used to edify a student’s understanding and impart vital information for those that can listen and “read between the lines” so to speak.

So in conclusion, We will never know what he wrote it for but he did write it and kept it. Was it a road map to proper training or was it a story he was told? Your guess is as good as mine. We will continue to use the story here at The Wing Chun Boxing Academy as the history because Yip Man wrote it.

( I will put up more lessons to be gleaned from this story in the future. I just wanted to put forth some food for thought. I will also explore in depth others stories told in Wing Chun and the lessons held within in the future. This is the first in a series.)

Which Came First? , The Question That Means More Than You Know.

Wing Chun is an eastern form of martial art that employs knives, staff and empty hands. People have discussed whether (fencing) double knife methods were taught first which translated into the hand methods or vice versa. Maybe the western art of boxing holds some of the answers.

The word Boxing comes from a Middle English term meaning to strike. It is still used today in the phrase “Boxing someone’s ears.” This phrase is used in reference to disciplining a person. The history of Boxing is fascinating and has parallels to Wing Chun in its earliest forms. James Figg, an Englishman, is regarded as the first to adapt fencing and pole fighting to boxing at his academy. According to news sources, in 1719, Figg helped popularize boxing by opening a training academy in London. [This is also the time when the word “boxing” first came to be used. It should be noted, that this earliest form of modern boxing was very different. Contests in Mr. Figg’s time, in addition to fist-fighting, also contained fencing and cudgeling. Source: Wiki] His methods later became widespread throughout England and surrounding areas.

People of the lower class used Figg’s methods to settle disputes which transformed into a form of entertainment. Butchers were considered lower class at the time and may have influenced many of the terms used in boxing such as the jab, hook, uppercut, etc. from their occupational movements and tools. Regardless, the entire nation of England supported and practiced this fighting art.

Boxing, or more accurately called pugilism during this time, was more cruel and violent than it was sport. Men would face off, and fight one another using any variety of rough methods. For example, in a typical match, if the chance presented itself, one fighter might catch hold of his opponent and toss him to the ground or floor, by his ears or by fish hooking him in the nose, eyes or mouth. It was even considered manly and proper to kick a man when he was down. “Purring”, the term of the period, was how they described kicking the downed man, eye-gouging and other rough methods. These techniques were commonly used by the fighters and hugely enjoyed by those watching.

Later in the history of boxing, Jim Driscoll tried to explain the origins and changes made to the sport of boxing. Jim Driscoll in his book Outfighting/ Long Range Boxing, wrote, “It is practically sword fencing without a sword, and follows all its movements, or rather, should follow, the same principles.”

The use of timing is one that the ardent students of bare knuckles boxing know. Old school boxing masters, who styles developed from the use of fencing, used the stop-hit to interrupt an opponent’s attack. This is not uncommon practice it would seem in martial arts that developed from blade play. The following definition of a stop hit is found on Wiki- Jeet Kune Do (developed from Wing Chun Principles): “Intercepting an opponent’s attack with an attack of your own instead of a simple block.” This strategy is an essential component of European fencing…. Stop hits & kicks utilize the principle of economy of motion by combining attack and defense into one movement thus minimizing movement and response time, as well as overwhelming the opponent. This is a Wing Chun must have. Stop hits and traps were among the techniques that were used frequently in the early form of boxing.

What changes occurred in boxing that caused practitioners to move away from some of the battle proven techniques that came from quarter staff fighting, fencing and the practice of parrying daggers? Why would you abandon knife fighting techniques that were crucial in the beginning to the hand methods? What happened to boxing if it was so similar to Wing Chun in its earliest stages? Why did it change its focus? It has to do with social acceptance and money.

Yes, I said it Money. People do not want to pay for a fight that lasts seconds. The government also wants to regulate anything they feel is harmful to people. Money is the reason why martial arts today are watered down and less lethal. The rest is gullibility. Those that do not know how to fight, watch these spectator oriented sports and feel that the sport is what is true to life. You can’t convince them otherwise. If you beat the s*** out of them they retort with “That’s because I haven’t trained enough.” If you engage them in debate about it they say “I will fight differently in a real fight.” They actually use the words “Real Fight” nine times out of ten to counter your argument. They have bought into the BS being profited from on TV and in many “gyms” around the world. To make the fights more profitable and longer, rules were created and safety equipment such as large padded gloves were eventually added. This practice led to the horizontal punching structure and bouncing footwork used today. It abandoned the vertical fist structure needed in a bare-knuckle fight and the flatfooted approach to using the whole body in the striking process. It removed highly effective methods that ended fights quickly and promoted techniques that caused wins to take more time and thus make more money.

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The Symbols of Wing Chun

The art of Wing Chun as has been passed down through the generations uses the crane and snake fighting for their very lives as a symbol. Why would they do that?

The knives are also a symbol because they too convey a message about what we should be training for.

Then there is the name. Eternal Spring, Praise Spring etc. spring is a very active, violent time when all of nature is striving and struggling to grow and survival becomes a very important theme. Eating must be done, so hunting begins. Those that are the prey must learn concealment and defensive, evasive maneuvers to survive. Eat or be eaten .

There is no such thing as a fair fight in nature. There is no such thing as a fair fight when one person has two knives against one. There is no such thing as giving another member a fair chance when you need to eat to stay alive and feed your young.

Observe nature and understand that the only law observed in survival is the law of the jungle. If you believe this then you are on the right path to survive a real ordeal.

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Why the Pole and Knives?

Why did the ancient masters of Wing Chun choose the weapons they did? The answer may be simpler than you would think. The answer lies in the abundance and scarcity of resources. The masters looked at what would be readily available in any circumstance and what they saw were two knives and a long pole. They knew that every vendor, kitchen, tea house, or home (including house boat) would have the famous Chinese kitchen knife or knives. These knives were used for all sorts of tasks. Every part of the blade and handle could and was used by the handler. These knives could cut paper thin slices of meat with the blade. The back of the blade was used to tenderize meat or break poultry bones. The flat of the blade was used to smash garlic or other spices, the blunt handle was used as a pestle to grind spices.

The versatility of the knives was evident. They only changed the tip and then added a hand guard for those that could afford the modifications. Most households had two knives, one for light duty and one for heavier jobs. .

The pole, like the knives, was everywhere. Poles were used for everything. They were used to hang clothes on, carry water with, in scaffolding, in hanging out of merchandise for customers. Everywhere you looked there were poles. The versatility of the pole was evident as well.

I want my students to “steal my Gung Fu”. What I am trying to convey to them is two fold. First, I want my student’s to realize that it is always their responsibility for how much they progress and how much they learn. Secondly, I want all of my students to be better than myself.

How does one Steal My Art? Not through paper or pictures. Not through words or stories. Through skill attained through hard work and time in my art.

My art has no place for fame seeking, power seeking, influence seeking or those seeking financial gain. Skill trumps all those paper oriented things.

Bugs Bunny is The Art of War Personified

the Author's personal copies of the Art of War and Bugs Bunny collectible.

Before you start to think this to be a joke read the following passage to see where it could all start.

“Therefore at first be shy as a maiden. When the enemy gives you an opening be swift as a hare and he will be unable to withstand you.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Nine Grounds

Can you picture Bugs dressed up as a shy maiden then exploding out of the dress to defeat his opponent? Yeah, crazy isn’t it?

How does this deal with Wing Chun? Well, we find two symbols here that can be associated with the art. the first symbol is a shy maiden (妙 Miao4) which can also be translated as clever, wonderful, mysterious, subtle, exquisite, young woman. The next symbol is a hare. Hares or rabbits are closely related to springtime and cleverness. Ever heard of the March Hare? Most cultures, including Asian ones see the rabbit as a trickster of sorts. The cleverest trickster of them all would have to be, none other than, Bugs Bunny himself.

Bugs Bunny seems to use the Art of War more so than any other cartoon character I have ever seen. He is the master of Deception. Deceiving his many opponents with disguises and trickery. He understands assessments and then uses his assessments of the enemy to plan their demise.

Now Visualize him raising one finger and saying ” YOU REALIZE THAT THIS MEANS WAR!!” I think you understand the Us and Them battle always happening. Sun Tzu saw it as a situation of either they are with us or they are against us. Bugs seems to symbolize the use of strategy over strength. He also seems to behave as a general should and use the faults of bad generals against them.

Take for instance the following that is spoken of by Sun Tzu in the Art of War:

“There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
2) Cowardice, which leads to capture;
3) Quick to anger, which can be provoked by insults;
4) A delicate sense of honor can be disgraced;
5) Love people, which exposes him to worry and trouble.”

Think about number one for those reckless enough to go after Bugs. They all seem to be shot, blown up or even removed from the planet. Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote, Gossamer, Marvin or any host of others seem to just fall right into his traps because they are reckless.

Look at number two Bugs uses the cowardice in Daffy Duck to have Daffy shot over and over during duck season. Daffy really thinks he has it under control as he changes the signs but little does he know that Bugs has his number.

Now let’s just look at number three. It seems almost evident that Bugs is a master of using his opponent’s tempers against them. Just picture how livid each opponent is with his antics and insults.

The forth one trait of honor or entitlement of respect causing one problems is evident when the likes of Yosemite Sam are fighting for respect and Bugs just de-pants them and they run off the screen wearing a barrel or leaves all red in the face.

Number five is a little harder but he uses this fault in “guilting” his opponents into believing that he has died and shows them how bad they are. It leaves them feeling so sad that they weep and beg forgiveness. Bugs in his usual way just kisses them and enrages them again to keep the game a foot.

Now let’s look at the overview of each chapter of the Art of War and see just How old Bugs really is the embodiment of the ideas.

1.Strategic Assessments- deals with the fundamental factors (the mission, weather, terrain, leadership and organization). It speaks to being and appearances not matching. Illusions and trickery are paramount to being totally unknowable. It also speaks to disrupting the enemy but not being disrupted as you calculate and gather information. The text stresses that war is a life or death situation.

We see Bugs constantly calculating and gathering information even at the beginning with his trademark “What’s up Doc?” He enters with a question, assessing the battle and thus deciding what is really up which by the way is usually someone has come looking for a fight.

2.Waging War Time is an enemy and short quick victories are best. Prolonged conflict is bad. It states that one should feed off the enemy to gain more power and all the time anger them to destroy them. This chapter goes on to talk about using their colors as yours to cause confusion. Victory is the goal not just persistence. All moves must be towards the goal.

Ever notice how Bugsy seems to win quick little engagements and then disappear? He understands that time and timing is key. Each little victory, whether getting them to say what he wants or enter a dynamite storage area, no matter how small, is still chipping away at the whole of his enemy’s plan or goal.

3. Attack with Stratagem This is about hearts and minds. It tells one to take control while they are scheming. This chapter explains use of numbers such as a small force using hit and run tactics. Crucial elements such as knowing when to fight, how to use many or few troops, unification, being prepared and making decisions based on the present conditions not those hoped for are explored as well.

Bugs just never seems to loose his control of the situation. He is unified in his purpose. He wants to survive and shows us that brains beats brawn every time. No matter how armed his opponents are or how many they have in their number, he always uses strategy, preemptive attacks, Counter attacks, divides their alliances or gains his own such as the little chicken hawk. He just understands what it takes to keep things together or intact.

4. Formation or Positioning explains the importance of preparation in defense and offence. This chapter explains how to position oneself to win and explains where one can lose. It gives the formula that starts with the ground then measurements, assessments, calculations, comparisons and victories. The ground dictates the victory.

Bugs Bunny and his many holes… he protects his home time and time again and only leaves when he knows he can. He uses positions of gun rifles by spinning them around plugging them with carrots etc. He is always just out of range and somehow at the same time just where he needs to be to counter and win the situation.

5. Energy explains the use of creativity, organization, orthodox methods, unorthodox methods and timing in building an army’s momentum. It also speaks to luring your opponent with gain but ambushing them. Momentum is force.

Ever noticed how Bugsy uses creativity in his many attacks? Or how he seems to be able to trick the other person into saying what he wants them to? All the time building the momentum to dispose of his opponent.

6. Illusion and Reality explains how an army’s opportunities come from the openings in the environment or timing caused by the relative weaknesses of the enemy. It explores reserving your energy and promoting health while irritating and disrupting your enemy’s mind. One such way is to appear where they do not expect you to or appear in a different way. It further strengthen “the Form them and remain unformed idea”. Over all one must adapt fluidly and endlessly to the realities while using illusion to win.

The ever opportunistic bunny that Bugs is causes him to seize every opportunity to trick his opponents into the very position they do not want to be in. He dresses up as a female or acts as if he is dying all as an illusion to get his opponents to show their weaknesses and then he exploits them.

7. Maneuvering for Armed Struggle explains the dangers of direct conflict and how to win those confrontations when they are forced upon the general. The general is to take problems and make them into advantages causing the enemy to work harder all the time. Distance as a method of control is explored as well as the fact that one must be always assessing the enemy’s position/ condition. The illusion factor is once again brought up to confuse the enemy with noise and visuals. Once again one must have victory in the hearts and minds to truly win.

Direct conflict is avoided by Bugs because he understands that direct conflict will cause him defeat. See, he understands his weaknesses and will not allow them to be exploited as he exploits his enemy’s. He uses the devious route or the misunderstood way. Using unorthodox methods he wins every time.

8. Variations or Adaptations focuses on the need for flexibility in an army’s responses to the different grounds they may find themselves traveling or caught on. Only on deadly ground does one fight and before that one plots to win in the fight. It goes on to reinforce the statement that knowing when to do something is of utmost importance. This chapter explains how one should respond to ever shifting circumstances and still be successful.

I don’t think anyone can say that Bugs Bunny doesn’t respond to the shifting, ever changing attacks of his many pursuers. No matter who it is that is after him he understands that the battle is always changing and one must change with it to capitalize on the situation.

9. Maneuvering This chapter helps one understand “passability” of different terrains, situations, based on elevations, water and sunlight, in which an army finds itself as it moves through new enemy territories, and what positions one should occupy to adapt correctly to them. Much of this section focuses on evaluating the intentions of others based on their words and actions. It really speaks to avoiding aggression and just being fluid in your mindset and constantly assessing the conditions.

If you watch Bugs Bunny and the many different situations he can be found in, you will see how he uses the situations to his advantage, if he is dealing with a crowd, he wins the crowd by understanding their wants and desires. He is constantly using his opponents intentions against them having them get into an oven and then lighting it. You know the one where the gangsters are trying to control him but he manages to get them to turn themselves in after exploding in the gas oven? They only intended to hide but he used the situation to his advantage.

10. Geography /Terrain or Situational Positioning This chapter deals with understanding pass ability, difficulty, natural advantages and disadvantages of both the geography and the generals themselves. it further explains how to use them to one’s advantage.

In every situation, timing, distance, and all the angles all seem covered by that “Wascally Wabbit”. He understands positioning with cannon balls, rifles, and even rabbit season or duck season signs. He uses the situation to position himself in a superior position whether underground, above ground or in an airplane or sky scraper, he understands that if you form the enemy’s movement you then can take the best position to win. Some call it leverage but Bugs just uses it.

11. Nine Groundsor Nine Situations describes the nine situations (or stages) in any military campaign. it explains where and how to deal with it. It also speaks to making the opponent lose unity in the ranks or lose the hearts and minds of their people. Timing is further explained in regards to the control of a situation. being first is a matter of subtle anticipation. The fact that the one that is first on the battlefield can rest up and await the tired enemy who arrives later means more than one knows.

Left Turn at Albuquerque? Yeah, that famous line where he is lost looking at a map because he has ended up on a different type of ground than expected, such as contested ground in the bull fighting ring or constricted when he is in the grips of the abominable snow monster or maybe deadly ground when he is being shot at. It just seems to me, that he winds up in every ground or situation described at some time during his career as a cartoon rabbit. The one thing for sure is that his wit, which is always working, seems to get him out of any tight or other worldly spot (such as Mars).

12. Fire Attack explains the general use of weapons and the specific use of the environment as a weapon as well. This section examines what to destroy and how to do so while using the environment to help you.

I think we all know that Bugs Bunny is a situational master. He uses the situation to his advantage, literally feeding off the weather, his enemies emotions, their firepower or lack of intelligence. He understands that his weapons are knowledge and cunning and boy does he hone and use them.

He uses the proper attack on the proper target each and every time… well maybe not every time but he is quick to correct the mistake. Playing on the affectionate mother gorilla to beat his opponent silly.

13. Use of Spies or Gathering and Using Intelligence focuses on the importance of developing good information sources..

Bugs starts it all off with a question, assessing and constantly gathers information on his enemy and their positions, both physical and mental, to use against them over and over again. He is after all using his brain to defeat their brawn. His plans, calculations, attacks, positions, movements, momentum, adaptations, and illusions are all harnessed and put to perfect use every time and as we all are aware of, he just never seems to run out of new material or ways to assure his victory.

I know this all seems so weird but I was taken aback when I was watching a Looney Tunes cartoon, with my youngest son, the other day that starred none other than Bugs Bunny himself and I began seeing all the dictates of the Art of War being embodied by this favorite childhood cartoon character. I guess I got a “wild hare” and thought I would just sit down and try putting together a quick little thought provoking note for others to see what has been hidden in plain sight all along. I’ll leave you with one culminating thought. If all of war is deception, who better than Bugs Bunny, the trickster of tricksters, could one look to as an example?

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Music and Gung Fu

Today I was trying to explain why it is so difficult to learn Gung fu from a book. It is like trying to play guitar from a book. Your fingers are where they are suppose to be, your picking and moving your hands correctly but it isn’t sounding right…. That is because your guitar is not tuned properly and you are off tempo or a mirad of things that could be wrong. You need a teacher with a mastery of the skill you seek. When all is right it is Gung fu just like making music. Music is noise mastered. Gung Fu is chaos mastered. Dustan Carroll copyright 2010

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All fights go to the ground, really?

Do you know why many martial artists believe this and declare this to be true? This is dangerous to believe this “unwritten BS”. Why do many martial artists and a lot of street fighters still buy into this Bovine Scatology?: 1. MMA perpetuates this BS 2. They hear more experienced martial artists wanting to improve their ground game. 3. Many martial artist’s don’t practice anti-grappling techniques. 4.Beginning fighters lose their balance and over exaggerate their motions leaving them open to a take down. If you practice to avoid many grappling attempts you can keep grapplers from taking you down. What should you practice, to avoid getting dropped to the ground in a street fight? Practice everything that is illegal or not allowed by their rules. Have the Right Attitude in a Street FightWhat is the right attitude? It is one of ” I Don’t care what you do, I am going to kill you period.” have a animalistic attitude towards the situation. (animals don’t have inhibitions when in a perilous situation)What is street fight? Any fight that does not have a referee, a ring or other safety measures. Fight for your life to survive a street fight. Fear will paralyze you every time and paralysis equals death. Don’t worry about rules or how you look just make them need plastic surgery. the way we should practice is using this statement ” 100% of fights end on the ground but not 100% of the fighters do.” by Dustan Carroll

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Face Difficulties Positively

This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP! It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. -author unknown. THAT’S Gung Fu! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity. The dirt others throw to destroy you is nothing more than stepping stones. Enjoy “the Dirt” because it only makes you better or in many cases elevates you. Remember the plum blossoms in winter and the lotus rises up from the murky muddy waters to be admired. ~Dustan Carroll

What Criminals Prefer

JKD and Wing Chun

I have trained in both and now only teach Wing Chun Kung Fu for many reasons but the main one being that Bruce was once asked what he would use in a real life or death fight and his answer was not JKD it was Wing Chun. Now that I have learned the art of Wing Chun and I know why he answered that way. My SiGong, Duncan Leung, posted something regarding Bruce and JKD and it rings so true. Here is what he posted on the thread Potential GrasshopperPosted by: SiFu Leung – October 7, 2004 (11:31 p.m.) – 68.10.116.153 By Bruce Lee’s own account, he applied Wing Chun principles and theory in the light of his personal experience as a fighter in a manner that was most appropriate for himself. However, that is what a martial artist is supposed to do –personalize the system. Bruce Lee called this “new” system Jeet Kune Do. It is really not significantly different from Wing Chun.If you are seeking a method of relieving stress and attaining emotional balance, you might also consider tai chi, which is excellent for this purpose. I questioned the differences when I was training in JKD and what I was told could be summed up with the statement I use today for my students to understand: “Wing Chun does not need JKD but JKD needs Wing Chun.” Question the obvious… and the statements that are used to blow smoke and confuse you. Common Sense and Hard Work are the secrets. -Dustan Carroll

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Strictly for Street Altercations or Personal Protection

Wing Chun is only for street combat and self defense situations. There are no sport aspects or acrobatics, employed. Wing Chun is the “Street Fighter’s Science”.

Individual differences

All Wing Chun Techniques should be available to every individual, big, small; short or tall they work the same way for everyone. There has been a misinterpretation by some to say “it depends on the size of your attacker and your abilities.” This is not true. If everyone can’t do it, then it is not Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Hand techniques

The hand techniques, both open handed and closed are considered by many to be the fastest and most devastating in existence today. The hands of a Wing Chun fighter are fast, deceptive and extremely powerful. Bruce Lee used these same hands to propel him into the limelight and into the movie world of Hollywood.

Kicking

Wing Chun uses kicks that seek to break the legs of an opponent, disabling them immediately. Rarely do we use kicks above the waist in Wing Chun. Kicking your opponents head is like bending down to punch them in the foot, a waste of time. Feet cover feet. Hands cover hands. We have a saying “As above, So Below!”

Blocking

We do not block in Wing Chun. We Cover. Blocking is slow. Covering is being one step ahead of your opponent. We cover areas that we know have to be attacked. Our method of coverage is a core concept in our family’s version of Wing Chun. We seek to use deflections, parries, and evasive footwork (following another core concept of not fighting force with force). Wing Chun is an ambush or set up art.

Grappling

Wing Chun does have grappling. It is not a primary method but can be employed when needed. We seek to stay on our feet and mobile. We do not borrow from other arts. In our forms you will see grabbing, circling, breaking motions. These motions give the little ideas of grappling. Everything is in the forms.

Simplicity

Wing Chun is based on the principle “Keep it Simple Stupid!” or KISS. We do not seek to add to our arsenal. Wing Chun is a cutting art. In our training we are taught to “cut” away or “Cut out” anything that is not needed. We seek to keep it simply and devastatingly effective.

Physical and mental benefits

Wing Chun Kung Fu training provides physical conditioning, coordination, balance are developed while building up cardio-vascular and respiratory endurance and stamina. In essence the training can help with stress reduction. Self confidence develops with knowledge that can be applied. As you are able to apply what you have learned “reflexively” you will feel more confident. Knowledge is power. Mental discipline is developed as you overcome obstacles in your training. Obstacles can come in many forms such as financial, family, time constraints, etc. Many of the obstacles are created by you. You will need to be determined to continue to reach your goal this is what we call mental discipline.

Wing Chun Street Smart

It can not be stressed enough that there is a world of difference between facing a competitor in the ring and facing an angry, irate, assailant in the street that is determined to cause you serious harm or even death. What you might find useful in a match (where there are weight classes, a ring, referees, rules and emergency personal right there) could get you killed in a real combat situation. Street fights and sport fights call for totally different fighting tactics, techniques, training methods and attitudes. Unlike many gyms today that specialize in tournament fighting or MMA competitions, Our Wing Chun Kung Fu training is strictly for street combat and personal protection. Listed below are some things that every Wing Chun student should know and apply.

Stay Fit to Fight

You should take time every day to practice what you have learned and mentally review the material you learned in class. You have to “get your mind right to survive a fight.” This is mental fitness. This is “Knowing your art.” You also need to exercise daily to promote your physical abilities to survive a fight. If you can’t breath, you can’t fight. Work towards a physically fit lifestyle. Eat right and get a good night’s rest. Stay hydrated. Work out. Exercises should compliment your training not impede it. Remember the convict in prison doesn’t miss a work out why should you?

Stay Alert

Violence erupts in some of the most peaceful situations. Be alert for trouble and be aware of your surroundings. By being aware and alert to potential attackers you can save your life. For instance when going to your car have your keys ready before you leave the building. If walking down an alley stay in the center of the alley and don’t take corners sharply. Many assailants lay in wait to ambush you around corners. When in a public place face the door. Be aware of the exits in the building or room. When around hostile people watch their centers and not their eyes. If they try to attack you it will not be with their eyes. Use all of your senses. If you feel something is wrong…IT IS! Beware and you will be alive.

Act! Don’t Talk.

If an attack is eminent, Act! Act immediately to threats and don’t try to talk them down. Bullies see talk as a challenge. Others use what you say to get prepared to beat you. They are gathering information on what you might know. Don’t tell them what you know show them. Surprise is on your side when you act. Reaction is slower than action. Don’t “warn” them this only shows them that they need to be more violent to overtake you. You will never see a predator make verbal noise before it attacks it prey. Be predatory in your behavior. Silence and quick violent attacks have won the day more than any other tactic. The element of surprise is used and sought after by the military geniuses of the world. Sun Tzu wrote in the art of war “know your enemy but be unknown.” The best thing to say is I don’t want any trouble or apologize. If this is not enough unleash the animal inside.

Keep It Simple

The best techniques for the street are simple, basic, direct and use gross motor skills. You will not be able to perform small intricate movements in a real fight because you will be full of adrenaline and things are happening to fast. In a real life fight for your life situation things happen extremely fast, you are in normal attire and only the simplest techniques executed with ruthlessness can be trusted to save you or your loved ones. All the fancy stretches and high kicks in the world will only get you killed if you try them. Sport or artistic expression can use the high kicks and flowery techniques. You must use the most ruthless and devastating techniques in your arsenal. You must be acutely aware of what works in the street. This means it can’t be the glove wearing, mouth guard chomping flowery, acrobatic garbage seen on T.V. or at sport matches or tournaments. Do your job and get out of dodge.

The Best Defense is Offense

Attack your assailant when he attacks you. The sooner you attack him the sooner you can get to safety. Do Not Hesitate because hesitation kills in a real fight.

Expect to get hit or kicked

When you get in a real knock down drag out street fight the possibility of you getting hit, kicked or whatever is great. It does no matter the length of time you studied martial arts or the systems you have studied in a real fight you will probably get hit, kicked or even cut. You must be prepared to fight through this. You must train to get kicked and hit and keep fighting. If you do not train this way their blows will shock your system and cause you even more pain in the end. Just because you are trained doesn’t make you invincible. The point is to not be seriously injured.

Fight Dirty!

Rule #1 of street fighting- THERE ARE NO RULES! It is a dog eat dog situation. It is you or them going home. Which one do you want it to be? Be animalistic. Does a bird hold back when it or its nest is being attacked? All is fair. If there is something that you can use to hit, stab or hurt them with pick it up and use it. Pool balls, pool cues, dirt, change, bricks, rocks, beer bottles, etc. are tools to get you home safely. Learn to use gutter tactics and unfair techniques without mental reservation. It is better to give than receive especially when it comes to an ambulance ride.

Attack Vital or Inherently Weak Areas

Attack the eyes, groin, throat, knees, fingers, etc. of your assailant. Don’t waste time trying to hit them in areas that they can train to become bigger, stronger and more resistant to attack. Forget sparring with them. This isn’t about points or a trophy. Under the stress of a violent situation or when one becomes infuriated the human body become abnormally resistant to pain. But a speck of dust flying into your eyes will cause you to reflexively grab your eyes. You should attack areas that they can not build up with weights. The eyes, groin, joints etc are the best places to attack.

Words To Live By

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.” ~ Chief Tecumseh

Chi in the Martial Arts

I heard a master once say that “People talk more about chi in America than they do in China.” He went on to say “I have never seen anyone use chi and the last guy to try to use it on me got knocked down 5 times by me punching him.” I personally think that he was right about the over abundance of mumbo-jumbo on chi. The west has made it into some supernatural power that most can never seem to deliver. Why waste your time with all of that hocus-pocus? Train something that works, because tomorrow is too late for a fight you’ll have today. Practicality, Simplicity and Effectiveness should be your guides not chi. _____________________________________________________

Legal Ramifications

Students often ask me about the legal ramifications of using violence or force. This is a complicated issue as any of the law enforcement personnal will attest to. There is rarely a time that you can use force without legal ramifications… even in the “self-defense” scenerio. In FACING VIOLENCE by Rory Miller we find that seldom can you use the self defense plea without putting the burden of proof on yourself. You have to show a progression and the need to defend yourself with force. Take for instance you have e-mails or message room posts by an individual or individuals that provoke you or taunt you. You shouldn’t respond. Just copy them to use if further threats or issues arise. Anything you can get from them is useful in court. This is the real battlefield these days. This is a need to read book for everyone in today’s world. Many of the Law Enforcement Officers that I am friends with have also stated the same. Be Safe… Be Smart… Be Legal Minded…

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Obedience and Self Defense

“You can’t be taught simultaneously to bow and stand your ground.”- Rory Miller. Mr. Miller goes on to say ” The habit of obedience is one short step away from submission. That if you do what your instructor says when you know in your heart it is wrong, you will also obey a rapist.” (The word rapist could be interchanged with any other word used to define a person meaning you harm.) Mr. Miller has a valid point. You have sought out a person to help you with preserving or bettering your life when you have sought out a SiFu. I think that is why it is important that your SiFu be a master of his trade, teaching his skills honestly without props and chinese outfits and outdated cultural norms that enslave you to his service. He shouldn’t lord over you and demand more and more from you. – Dustan Carroll

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An Article From Martialdevelopement.com

Robbie Lawler’s Ruthless Wing Chun

I’ve always known that, sooner or later, the Chinese art of Wing Chun Kuen would be represented in a professional mixed martial arts bout. I just didn’t expect to see it in MMA’s historic prime-time debut.

Robbie Lawler

On May 31, 2008, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler forever settled any reasonable doubts about Wing Chun’s viability in real combat. And he did it by accident.

Robbie Lawler faced Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith in the inaugural broadcast of CBS’ Saturday Night Fights. During the first two rounds of this title bout, both men fought according to New Jersey’s Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts: no headbutts, biting, groin attacks, or rabbit punches; no hair-pulling or small joint manipulation; no fish-hooking or strikes to the trachea.

For more than ten minutes, Lawler and Smith used their training in boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and BJJ to soften each other up. Neither fighter held a clear advantage, and so the exchange continued. Then “Ruthless” Lawler stuck his fingers in Smith’s eye.

Referee Dan Miragliotta halted the fight immediately. Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith hoped to continue after a five-minute rest to regain his vision, but the doctor forbid it. The match was called: no contest.

Lawler’s eye poke, unintentional though it was, ended the bout in seconds. There is little doubt in my mind that, if the referee had allowed it, Lawler could have followed up with an uncontested knockout.

Robbie Lawler fingers Scott Smith in round 3

Ring Fighting vs. Real-World Self-Defense

As a professional fighter, Scott Smith followed the match rules, and he was reasonable to assume that Robbie Lawler would do the same. However, it would also be reasonable to assume that, in a five-round fight with fingerless gloves, a stray finger could land in your eye, and to defend against such an accident.

If only such a thing were possible. The eyes are the most sensitive area on the body, and especially difficult to protect. If the opponent can so much as touch your eyes, they can damage them permanently, so the threat demands a conservative game. (The same principle applies, to a lesser degree, to defending the throat and genitals.)

Effective defense of vital areas cannot be an afterthought; it must be integrated into a fighting strategy from the outset, and supported by coherent tactics. The approach must be conservative, but also vicious, in order to eliminate the threat as rapidly as possible.

Does any of this sound familiar? These are the precepts of Wing Chun Kuen, Bruce Lee’s original martial art. Wing Chun starts where MMA ends; it is brutal and direct. Rules, community standards, and basic human decency prevent it from being fully applied in the competitive arena, but as Robbie Lawler reminded us yesterday, the ruthless hands of Wing Chun should not be discounted.

Beginners Mind

This is the mind that all should have. I will try to explain it’s importance for you. Begin each task as if it were the first time you have ever seen it or attempted it. Begin each day as it is meant to be. Do not carry grudges, jealousies or strife. They are negative and dull the senses and point of the Beginners mind. The goal of Gung Fu is to have an open mind. Train with an open mind and enjoy each lesson. Dustan Carroll

Fighting Spirit…

“It is the unconquerable nature of man and not the nature of the weapon he uses that ensures victory.”- General George Patton Jr.

“A lion sleeps in the heart of every brave man.” Ancient Proverb

This is the indomitable spirit. This is the Mind as the weapon and everything else as a tool principle.-Dustan Carroll ____________________________________________

Relaxation…

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”-when you can take a broad look and laugh at yourself you will gain more.

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Teaching is not for everyone. Everyone is not meant to Teach.

Get over the fact that the martial arts industry is an unregulated game of “I’m a master”. It’s great to have credentials, but it’s largely a waste of time pursuing “rank” for the sake of how it appears in a yellow pages ad or social media outlet. Again, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care (and they never care much for instructors who are more concerned with the “alphabet soup” at the end of their name than giving their students the best possible instruction). Besides, although all instructors should be Black Belts — not all black belts should be instructors. This is true in all things. There are teachers and then there are those trying to teach. A teacher that can not accept loss is a person who has never understood teaching. Teachers have certain qualities. 1. They genuinely care about their students 2. They are competent in instructing others 3. They are patient and tenacious at the same time when teaching a student. 4. They are question generators not question answerers. 5. They lower themselves to lift others up. 6. They know their material or content. 7. They can convey their knowledge to a diverse population in ways unimaginable by others.

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The Teachers Standard…

A teacher’s purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image. ~Author Unknown The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher. -Elbert Hubbard The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.” -Maria Montessori

If every teacher teaches to this “standard” the quality will always be apparent. Just What my teacher taught me, written in another persons words.

Dustan Carroll

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Defining moments…

http://www.martial-arts-info.com/comment/139/91799 when I started defining what I teach. Visitor comment: SiFu Carroll commented to Wing Chun· October 27th, 2007 @ 11:32 pm Wing Chun is a no B/S martial art that has no sport or competition element in it. Bruce Lee’s fame caused this art to be watered down by most modern day “masters”. Everyone started schools even if they did not learn the entire art. Some even learned from tapes and then proclaimed themselves instructors. Most arts that are eclectic (i.e. Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do) draw heavily on the core principles of Wing Chun. These principles are never argue with strength, Protect the centerline, Simultaneous attack and defense, fight for your life etc. Wing Chun is a combat art that does not give quarter. It is about minimum effort for maximum damage. Eliminate the threat by all means possible. copyright 2007

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The Wing Chun Workbook will help anyone supplement their training or accelerate their current abilities !

Learn how and why Wing Chun is the backbone of most modern reality based martial arts.Learn how to generate more power in punches and kicks.Learn how to simultaneously attack and defend- the key to hitting someone and not getting hit!Learn how to stop a larger attacker in their tracks.The first 12 months focus on basics…the foundation that will create the openings for you on your opponent.Don’t waste your time reading magazine articles filled with advertisements, read actual lessons and learn something besides history.Read below to see why it is different.

Wing Chun Workbook™

of SKILLS AND DRILLS

12 issues for only $100

In an attempt to document and demonstrate our family’s interpretation of the simple, effective and devastating art of Wing Chun, SiFu Carroll has created a series of informative lessons that will include pictures and examples for those wishing to learn this art but can not find a credible instructor. Each issue will focus on one or more skills, drills or concepts.

This is not your ordinary recital of Wing Chun History or “Why we have the real art and they don’t” rhetoric. It is an attempt by SiFu Carroll to preserve this fighting art. Here is what SiFu Carroll has to say about why he created the WING CHUN WORKBOOK OF SKILLS AND DRILLS program. “After suffering from injuries in a car accident and the slow recovery afterward, I began to worry about my ability to pass this art on to my children. This series is the beginning of my efforts to make it possible for my children to receive this art that I have spent countless amounts of money and many years to obtain. I know that my level is not that of my SiFu’s or my SiGong’s and that with more time in the art I could do a better job but I do not know if I will have that time or ability to pass this art on to my children. You will need to Study, Search and test the drills within these articles to fully grasp the art. “The best hiding place for anything is in plain sight, that is what Wing Chun truly does.” I also want it to be known that I am not into politics. I do not expect everyone in the general public to agree with the material that is contained in this series. I can only teach what I was taught and what I have learned over time actually using Wing Chun. Sincerely, Dustan Carroll” ________________________________________________

I have an established trademark using the above logo and the name of the Wing Chun Boxing Academy. Any use of the name or logo will be pursued legally in order to maintain my property. All materials from this website are copyrighted and are not to be used without Written permission from myself. I am writing this statement since a logo that greatly resembled my own and my schools name were located on craigs list. I understand that others will attempt to use my schools reputation to build their own. Those that attempt to do this should understand that it will not be tolerated. Be forewarned.

Dustan Carroll

NOTICE TO IMPOSTORS AND IDENTITY THIEVES!

Any use of materials to include but not limited to my trademarks, logos, and written materials from my site, school or otherwise will meet with legal ramifications.

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DON’T BE A DUMMY ABOUT DUMMIES (or DON’T GET THE WRONG JONG)

Recently my students wanted to buy their first Wooden Dummy…They had alot of questions as did I when my instructor taught me in private about how to build them. He said that there are no three legged dummies, five armed dummies, spring loaded dummies, etc. He explained that that was just a gimmick to try to get peoples money. He went on to say that they changed when Master Yip Man could not plant his dummy in the ground to a hanging or Floating Dummy. Everyone is trying to get money and you have to watch what you get. The slightest thing wrong on the dummy can cause you to totally miss sight of the arts true applications. It in essence teaches you to be open where you should not be and closed where you should be open. It changes your footwork, your energy and your art. My Instructor said “the Wooden Man carves you. It is a jello mold for you to be formed by. You don’t train the dummy, it trains you.” I explain it to my students like this… The wooden man is tuning fork for your energy and application of Wing Chun. I have never seen a 3 pronged, silver spooned or 4 handled tuning fork. “Don’t fix what ain’t broken. if you try you’ll F it up.” Dustan Carroll’s first instructor said in 2003

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“WING CHUN IS SWIFT AND INTENSE FORCE.”

quote form SiFu Carroll when asked to define Wing Chun. This definition is copyrighted material. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010

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Joint Locking and Wing Chun

Wing Chun is primarily a striking art but it does have Chin-Na incorporated into it. It is after all a Chinese art. I have had students ask about Joint locking and the like. We can do that but instead seek to simplify the situation. We don’t “lock” joints we Break or destroy them. In training we slow down the technique to keep someone from being injured irreparably. However slowed down does not mean watered down. Most students that begin with us are taken back when we get frustrated that they do not really try to hit us. I was taught “Wing Chun works when the other guy is being a true Bad guy!” . Pulled punches and kicks are the downfall of a point sparer. Likewise joint locks are like “pulled” joint breaks. Does Wing Chun use joint controls etc. yes and no. Yes you can but why train to “pull” punches or anything? Just my opinion… Dustan Carroll

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“GROUND FIGHTING”

NEVER go to the ground in a street fight.The Ground is your enemy. The ground has dangers of it’s own. It limits your mobility. The smaller person dies on the floor or ground. The larger or more powerful person uses it to slow the smaller person down by pinning them and beating the shit out of them. The ground is never a place you want to go when your fighting for your life. There are always more dangers in the street than in the Dojo or the ring/ octagon (there are no mats, gi, referees, rules or emergency personel). Do whatever it takes to stay off the ground. If you are taken to the ground do whatever it takes to regain your feet. you can’t get away from a situation or defend against multiple attackers from the ground. A good ground game in a sport will give you a real “grounding” experience in a real fight. 6 feet under “Grounding” experience. Also don’t believe all the talk from the grapplers about how they would fight differently in a street fight. Martial Arts training is just that … a method of training and movement. It teaches you reflexive actions. Reflexes take over in stressful situations. You will do what you have trained your body to do. Simple advise- train like you will have to fight.If that doesn’t make sense then ask why Navy SEALS train to stay on their feet and handle multiple attackers from a standing position? Why don’t they buy into the 9 out of 10 fights end up on the ground? I guess they know that 10 out of 10 fights end on the ground (the attacker on the ground dead with the SEAL boot crushing their neck or face.

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G r a c i e C o n f e s s e s

By SGT. Laurence Snell (US ARMY, Ret.)“Hidden in this CYA statement there is a confession.”“When I tour the country and give seminars, I am surprised by how many people who are experts in sport jujitsu but do not know the most basic self-defense techniques of ju-jitsu. The problem with this is that you can get a false sense of security from what you know. Just because you can handle yourself on the mat doesn’t mean you’ll know what to do when attacked. In that case, sport ju-jitsu can actually be a detriment because you’ll be overconfident. We were shocked by how many longtime students had completely forgotten, or even worse never learned, the very important self-defense aspects. For my father Helio, the self-defense moves are far more important than the sport moves. Every time I see him, he always tells me that students are not being taught enough self-defense moves.”– Royce Gracie,Grapple MagazineIsn’t it a little late to be telling us this? They are the number one initiator and breeders of modern sport wrestling. After all these years of making undefeatable claims and brainwashing thousands of students into believing they are in some kind of an undefeatable system, he tells us this, now? Questionable marketing and early UFC shenanigans (trampoline ring floors and that fighter named Kimo that really had only one month of training–not a 4th degree black belt!) had left their deep impression in the early 1990’s. This Gracie style of sport wrestling, which has confused and misled so many as being some kind of ultimate self-defense, has infected the world. So many martial artists feel compelled to offer groundwrestling courses in their programs that the Gracie family name appears coast-tocoast. So much so, that a few key, naïve, military insiders have embraced it. I am a retired U.S. Army Sergeant and former old-school, Karate black belt. I stood by through the years as I watched my beloved Japanese arts turn into “children citizenship schools” that produce little more than sport kick-boxers. And I am ashamed to say I also stood by as just a few people in “this-man’s-Army” twisted our hand-to-hand combat manuals into some kind of high school wrestling program. Powerless to interfere again, I watched the process, which started with a small team of Rangers going to Brazil, bringing the criteria back. Next, the material somehow spread into Army doctrine. Newer manuals cover an abundance of sport, wrestling techniques. I spoke with a graduate of these courses and he told me, “…during the randori (freestyle wrestling) work-outs, I would pretend that the real enemy was trying to get me, or that an attacker was after my family and I had to break free and win.” When I reminded him that stabbing your finger into the eye of these killers was just one of many survival techniques missing from their doctrine, he seemed to miss the point. “Ever wrestle with your backpack on? With an M-16? Wearing a pistol and a knife? Can you? Even as an escaping and unarmed prisoner, is wrestling your first choice? “ I asked him? “I just really like it,” was the only answer. For some, the brainwashing runs deep. For others in a growing trend, the brainwashing doesn’t run so deep. Early on, the newer UFC fighters, with their emphasis on hardcore striking and kicking, have learned to defeat these sport wrestlers. A recent Tennessee police officer wrote a review of a police-based, Gracie seminar he attended for a major law enforcement magazine. The officer reported that much of what Gracie teaches must be “taken with a grain of salt,” because he lacks experience in the realworldproblems of police combat. I think the Gracies have seen the modern movement toward reality in martial arts and are doing public relations / CYA (cover your ass), actually blaming their students for not knowing what they haven’t been teaching them for 15 years now. But hidden in this CYA statement there is a confession. When will we hear something similar from the Army? I wonder now what these shortsighted, Army H2H manual writers think now, after Gracie’s admission. We will be stuck with this manual for years, maybe even a decade! By SGT. Laurence Snell (US ARMY, Ret.)Why are we teaching these (our) troops to wrestle?_______________________________________________________________

The techniques taught at the Wing Chun Boxing Academy

are so powerful, so effective, so natural, yet so simple that even a beginner could execute them!

Wing Chun Kung Fu is the most brutally effective, yet simple, fighting system ever developed. We will teach you:

Brutal, vicious, fight-termination shots.

How to DROP your attacker in 5 seconds or less!

How to throw the nastiest, dirtiest shots known.

Why most martial artists freeze when attacked on the street.

How to increase your reaction time instantly.

How to instantly know what to do in any situation.

The one element you must control when faced with a boxer.

How to smash someone’s teeth in with a slight variation of a straight punch!

Why you must never kick a certain way in a street fight!

The simple most important key to defeating much larger opponents.

Powerful methods to instantly stop a frontal attack!

How to make someone’s eyes water so he can’t defend against or see your next devastating blow!

How to punch properly without gloves or padding.

How to stop grapplers before they can take you to the ground.

How to defend yourself on the ground if the fight goes there!

How to stop fights instantly.

How to escape from locks, holds and chokes (almost effortlessly).

Simple take downs… They don’t get up from!!

Ways to combine punches with throws!

Crippling counter attacks.

How to use Improvised weapons… They’re Everywhere!

Unreal way to make your enemy break his own ankle when he attacks!

How to fight from a clinch … including secrets of “invisible” low blows!

How a quick and dirty head butt can immediately end a fight!

The right way to use your elbows … guaranteed to knock an assailant right out!

How to crack someone with a liver shot that will have him doubled over in agony and unable to continue to bother you any longer!

Hidden strikes that they never see coming!!

How to use every inch of your body to develop devastating power.

Weapon disarming (Guns, Knives, baseball bats)

How to handle Multiple Attackers and survive!

Vulnerable Points of human body that can’t be built up by weights.

What criminals don’t want you to know or understand.

… and much, much more!

It is hard to believe that two women created such a devastating art form but they did!

In a time of lawlessness and in a place where rape and murder were common place. They created a system that used the opponent’s own power against them to increase the impact of their strikes and ultimately defeat the would be attacker with his own force. They weren’t playing by rules and were not concerned with sport application or referees. They used it as means to Survive their violent times. You can learn this easy to learn, easy to remember, and easy to use system.Our classes are open and looking for male and female participants who wish to learn how to handle violent situations with arguably the most street-effective method known.

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IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE

To whom it may concern,If anyone claims to have trained with me, (claiming to be my Instructor, student, disciple, friend or an instructor under me prior or present) you will want to contact me personally at 256-679-7839 to find out their standing.

No one should be using my name, my business name, images/ photos, logos or other intellectual property to promote themselves commercially or privately without my permission to do so. My permission can be removed at anytime based on each individual situation. Please contact me to confirm whether they are in good standing.

Any individual that I support will have no issue with you contacting me. Those that claim association prior or present with me or my organizations that do take issue or try to convince you to not contact me personally are and should be suspect. Thank you for your time and understanding.

Yours in Wing Chun,
Dustan Carroll

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Self Defense in Alabama Article.

Alabama, like all states, recognizes that you have a right to defend your self. In regards to deadly force (killing your attacker) Alabama law permits you to do so if you reasonably believe (1) that an attacker is about to use deadly physical force (force that could cause serious physical injury or death) against you or a third person (2) is about to use any type of force against an occupant of a dwelling which the attacker is burglarizing (3) the attacker is committing certain felonies involving danger to persons.Before 2006 this right was tempered by the “duty to retreat”. Very simply it meant that if you were attacked and you could safely retreat (walk away), you had a duty to do so rather than killing your attacker. There was no duty to retreat if you were in your own home.

However in 2006 Alabama became one of 21 states to enact so called “stand your ground” self defense laws. These laws did away with the duty to retreat and instead allowed you to stand your ground and kill your attacker rather than retreating.But the law went further. It added that in alleged self defense situations it would be presumed that the use of deadly force against your attacker was justified.It goes on to say that a person using deadly force against an attacker is immune from criminal or civil prosecution.Finally it added this proviso which is in the fore of the Florida controversey ” A law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use of deadly force, but the agency may not arrest the person for using force unless it determines that there is probable cause that the force used was unlawful” This has made many law enforcement agencies reluctant to arrest people who claim to have acted in self defense until the case has been presented to a Grand Jury.Florida had 43 cases of justified self defense homicide in 2005 before they changed their law to”stand your ground”. In 2009,after the change, they had 105 such cases.Source: http://www.leftinalabama.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=9504

N.O.M.A.D.System™

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